Designed to pick out the very best, our four-step selection procedure is scientific and thorough. You can be a part of Air Force family going through this process and proving your mettle. If you are wondering what this process involves, then click on any of the selection procedure steps below:-

Step 1 – Scrutiny of Applications
Step 2 – Testing Officer Like Qualities
Step 3 – Conducting of Medical Examinations
Step 4 – Preparing All India Merit List

Step 1 -Scrutiny of Applications

The selection procedure begins immediately after you send your application forms to us. All application forms are first checked for eligibility after which you will receive a call letter with further instructions. For detailed information on how to apply, click here.

If seek entry into the Flying Branch through the NDA or CDSE, your applications need to be sent to UPSC, New Delhi. UPSC conducts a written test twice a year in April & August (NDA) and April & September (CDSE). Advertisements for the examinations are released about six months in advance. Qualifying in these exams take you to step two. If you apply for Short Service Commission Flying (Pilot) or as an NCC Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holder, your application is processed by Air HQ and call letter issued by AFSBs.

If your have applied to the Technical Branch you will be required to appear the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). Similarly, for non tech ground duty branches, you would require to appear for a Common Entrance Test (CET). If you pass the EKT/CET, you move to the next step. Click here to see schedule of advertisements for various branches

Step 2 - Testing Officer Like Qualities

If you have successfully cleared Step 1, you will receive a call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards located at Dehradun, Varanasi and Mysore. At the Air Force Selection Boards, you undergo a number of psychological tests, an interview and group activities, which are collectively called the Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) Tests. These tests are designed to gauge your potential and suitability as an officer in the Armed Forces.

• The Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
• The Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor tests. We expect active physical participation from you.
• The Interview involves a personal conversation with our Interviewing Officer.

These tests will be explained to you in detail before they are conducted at the Selection Board.

The following is the schedule for OLQ Tests:

* Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) is a unique test. It is aimed at assessing a candidate’s aptitude to be trained as a pilot. PABT is being used as an independent selection device to induct potential officers into Flying Branch of Indian Air Force. PABT comprises three tests viz Instrument Battery Test (INSB), Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA) and Control Velocity Test (CVT). Instrument Battery Test (INSB) is a paper pencil test and other two are machine tests. The Instruments Battery Test (INSB) comprises two parts. This test assesses assimilation of the briefing and the ability of an individual to read and interpret the dials of an instrument panel of an aircraft. The candidates who score the minimum laid down criteria are subjected to the machine test. The machine test includes Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA) and Control Velocity Test (CVT). These tests measure the psychomotor co-ordination skill of the individual. These tests are conducted on a single day and administered only once in life time.

** Phase I of testing gets over on 1st day for all type of entries except NDA/CDSE/NCC/Direct entry for which it gets over on second day. Only those candidates who qualify in Phase I shall be retained at AFSB for further testing of Phase II. NDA/CDSE candidates who do not qualify the PABT will still be tested for their second/third choice.

At the conference held on the last day, all the assessors i.e. the Psychologist, Ground Testing Officer and the Interviewing Officer, discuss your personality and decide on recommending you or not. Those recommended by the AFSBs will require to fill up certain documents at the Boards and subsequently move to the next step.

Step 3 - Conducting of Medical Examinations
If you have applied for the Flying branch and are found suitable by the Selection Board, you would be sent to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi or the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore for a thorough medical examination.

If you have applied for the Technical or Ground Duty Branches and are found suitable, you may be asked to return home and await a call for a medical examination or be sent directly for the medical examination.

Step 4 -Preparing All India Merit List
An All India Merit List is compiled on the basis of your performance at the AFSB and subject to being medically fit. Based on the vacancies available, Air HQ would issue joining instructions to join Air Force Academy for the training.

Click here to know more about the different training establishments and the way of life that is awaiting for you in the Indian Air Force.

The Indian Air Force inducts its personnel purely on merit basis. Do not be carried away by anyone who claims that they can influence the selection process and thereby lose precious time and resources. Have faith in your inherent abilities and put in your best.